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Show THE THREE-RING CIRCUS 131 Meanwhile, the official comments of the state of California on the Central Arizona Project, signed by Governor Warren, had been sent to Congress.* In them California made these major criticisms: 1 - The plans and cost estimates of the proposed project were based largely upon preliminary investi- gations, and were prepared without adequate surveys, explorations and design plans. 2 - Cost of the project's power transmission system had been underestimated by about twenty per cent. 3 - All construction costs were considerably higher than the costs on which the project plans had been based. 4 - The project plan called for the use of existing devlopments on the Colorado River, such as Hoover Dam, but did not charge the project for this usage. 5 - There was no water available in the lower Colo- rado River for any new projects, either in Arizona or California. 6 - The Federal Government would put up the money for the project. It had to be paid back. Interest must be paid on the loan to build the proposed power dams. But the Arizona plan would take this interest on the power loan and apply it to irrigation costs. Thus, the interest would never reach the United States Treasury. This was contrary to existing reclamation law. California's Colorado River Association, continuing its public relations attack with pamphlets, speeches and * They also were endorsed by Franklin Thomas, chairman of the Colorado River Board of California; C. H. Purcell, State Director of Public Works; Edward Hyatt, State Engineer; and A. D. Edmonston, Assistant State Engineer. |
